Digital Only Subscription
Read the digital e-Edition of The Republican Herald on your PC or mobile device, and have 24/7 access to breaking news, local sports, contests, and more at republicanherald.com or on our mobile apps.

Article Tools

SHENANDOAH - The Quality of Life Ordinance tickets have been received by the borough, and Shenandoah code enforcement officer John Boxer will be issuing the citations immediately.

During Monday's meeting of the Shenandoah Borough Council, borough Manager Joseph L. Palubinsky held up the first book of tickets that will be used to deal with code problems.

"Just for council's and the public's information, we have received our tickets today relative to the Quality of Life Ordinance, which council adopted in August," Palubinsky said. "Basically, what we are going to do is begin enforcing it tomorrow."

Palubinsky read the violations that would be enforced from the ticket including accumulation of rubbish or garbage, animal maintenance and waste/feces clean up, disposal of rubbish or garbage dumping, high weeds, grass or plant growth, littering or scattering of rubbish, certain conditions involving motor vehicles if they are in a broken-down condition, outside placement of indoor furniture, placement of littering by private advertising matter and snow and ice removal from sidewalks. There are 20 violations listed on the ticket, with the first fine being $25, the second at $50 and the third at $100.

"If the condition continues, citations can and will be filed at the local magistrate," Palubinsky said.

"I know this has been working in other municipalities and I think it is a good tool for the municipalities to use," borough solicitor Michael A. O'Pake said. "Again, with all these property maintenance issues, the objective is to get the properties cleaned up. Giving someone a citation immediately on site I think will prompt them to act promptly."

Boxer and police officers have the authority to issue the tickets.

In a related property matter, O'Pake explained that Mahanoy City, where he also serves as solicitor, has a nuisance property ordinance on the books since 2005 that defines a "house nuisance."

"A house nuisance is defined as a property that has three violations within a one-year period of time," O'Pake said. "It could be a violation of a criminal statute of the commonwealth, or of a borough ordinance, or violation of a borough code involving property maintenance, or violation of a borough code involving zoning."

O'Pake said the property owner would be advised of the nuisance in order to abate it. If not corrected, a citation would be issued and if there is a third violation, the property owner could be fined up to $1,000 per day.

At O'Pake's recommendation, borough council approved the advertising of the ordinance, with formal adoption at the December meeting.

In other business, the council approved change orders totaling $15,110 submitted by Heim Construction Co. as part of the final phase of the borough's Streetscape project. The council also approved the third project payment to Heim of $160,193.28.

Borough council welcomed Shenandoah Valley sophomore Clarence Grutza as a junior council person. Grutza was sworn in by Mayor Andrew Szczyglak.

During the public portion, Shenandoah Community Watch President Gordon Slater reported the group's Safe Trick-or-Treat Night was a success and thanked everyone who was involved that night and who supported it through donations. The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 in borough hall by entering through the library. The public is welcome.

Prior to the announcement that the Quality of Life tickets had been received by the borough, resident James Rusin asked when the borough would begin enforcing the ordinance. He cited problems with three dilapidated properties from 12 to 16 S. Jardin St., and that glass was blown out during Hurricane Sandy, hitting a parked vehicle. Rusin said there are plastic garbage bags, brush and other items in a nearby open lot. Palubinsky said tickets will be issued.

In another matter, Palubinsky said the street sweeper will continue to operate through December as weather permits. Szczyglak said parking restrictions during sweeper hours are still in force.

The council approved payment of $8,890 to Northeast Industrial Services Corp. for demolition of 216-218 S. Gilbert St.

The 2013 recycling calender is being prepared and Palubinsky asked any organizations who want their events or meetings listed to submit them by Dec. 10 to submit to the printer. Palubinsky said the submission deadline will not be extended in order to have the calendars arrive before the end of the year.

Council President Leo Pietkiewicz read a letter sent by the borough to Fire Chief Russell Schumack thanking the Shenandoah Fire Department for its planning, preparedness and response in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy.

Palubinsky announced that delinquent trash notices have been mailed. He said anyone with accounts not current for the second half of 2012 will have their collection service canceled during the first week of December.

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.